Life was going great until one day in middle of summer of 2008. The person I truly adored, loved was diagnosed with Bone Marrow cancer (Myeloma). I was 23 at the time and had absolutely no idea what it meant. I remember asking my friends, family, "what is cancer" and no one could tell me what it was. I did try to research by reading books, going to multiple doctors for endless number of opinions and all i wanted to hear then was " It can be cured ". It was difficult not knowing what to prepare for and to stay strong for my loved one. She started having chemotherapy sessions at a place far off from home. I saw her wince in pain when she swallowed, mouth sores and more wreaking havoc on her body. Family tried their hardest to keep her spirits up but then some of her close friends moved away. Mostly because they did not know what to say. She lost her fight with cancer on March 9, 2009.
In 2017, I saw an ad for Team in Training Atlantic Canada on Facebook and signed up. I received a call providing more information. To be honest, i was not sure yet. I decided to go for a training session with TNT. With each Group Training Session (GTS), came new connections, new friends, new challenges and new goals. This is one of the most amazing things about Team in Training - you make friends and family for life through sharing and supporting each other. Team in Training offers an experience like no other. When you are with Team in Training, you are with family.
The support I have received from Nancy MacDonald, Sandra Luedee, Heather Lane, Tania Wybenga, awesome coaches Paul MacMillan, Mallory Irene Brent, Steven Jarvis, race day coaches (Adam Casey, Ana Ana, Samantha Dawn Knee and Debbie Whalen) and wonderful teammates is inspiring. I was able to run two marathons in 2 months because of the support i received from Team in Training. In each of the events, I had “My Heroes” written on my purple race jersey. When I am running, I remember the survivors, warriors who are fighting cancer and honoured ones. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of something that makes such a difference to the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful Journey!
##GOTeam##
##BEATCancer##
Thanks & Regards, Srikanth (Shrek)